Meredith E Ostrom

PHOTOMeredith E. Ostrom "Buzz" 79, of Madison, WI, passed away peacefully on Thursday, Nov. 11. 2010, at HospiceCare in Fitchburg. Buzz was born on Nov. 16, 1930 in Rock Island IL, to Meredith Louis Hult Ostrom and Alma Eggers Ostrom. He attended Augustana College (Rock Island, IL) and the University of Illinois, where he received B.S., M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Geology. Buzz was the State Geologist, Director of the Wisconsin Geological and Natural History Survey, and Professor Emeritus, UW-Madison Dept. of Geology and Geophysics. He was a true "Naturalist, a man for all seasons with an extremely broad range of knowledge and capabilities. Throughout his professional career Buzz was a compassionate leader who played an active role in community, university, state, and national affairs. Buzz married Ann Postels, August 1, 1953. They had 3 wonderful sons. 1. His retirement in 1989 led to a whole new "career" in music. He led two jazz bands, played piano as a volunteer at UW Hospital and became very involved in the Madison Jazz Society. He and Ann attended Jazz concerts everywhere, dancing up a storm. They also traveled extensively with friends who called themselves Heroics Ltd.". Those trips always included hiking, biking, canoeing or cross-county skiing. Their summer cabin was a wonderful gathering place for their scattered family every summer. Buzz is survived by his wife Ann (Madison), sons Michael (Sue, Steamboat Springs, CO), Craig (Cathy, Middleton), and Terry (Jan, Steamboat Springs, CO); Granddaughters Torey and Claire, and grandsons Tyler and Lance; brother Warren (Rock Island), nephews and nieces. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Jack (in infancy) and Gary (Marilyn, Silvis, IL). A Celebration of Life will be held at 4:30 PM Friday Nov. 19 at the First Unitarian Society, 900 University Bay Dr., Madison, WI. Memorials may be made to HospiceCare, the Madison Jazz Society Scholarship Fund, or the First Unitarian Society, Madison Gunderson West Funeral & Cremation Care7435 University Ave608-831-6761www.gundersonfh.com Memorials: Memorials may be made to HospiceCare, the Madison Jazz Society Scholarship Fund, or the First Unitarian Society, Madison Service: A Celebration of Life will be held at 4:30 PM Friday Nov. 19 at the First Unitarian Society, 900 University Bay Dr., Madison, WI.